Draftees making a big hit (or two)

Heeding their scouts and statistical analysts, the Padres identified several hitters leading up to the draft, then resolved to stock up on hitters, said Grady Fuson, the club's director of scouting and player development.

The early results are strong. Several players drafted by the Padres in June are performing well. Fuson singled out several players:

Dan Robertson: Drafted in the 33rd round out of Oregon State, Robertson has won the Most Valuable Player award in the short-season Northwest League. The 5-foot-8, 175-pounder, who played all three outfield spots, batted .372, scored 56 runs and stole 20 bases in 68 games. “Robertson obviously is someone who is an outstanding catch in the draft,” Fuson said.

Blake Tekotte: A center fielder and leadoff man chosen in the third round, the former University of Miami star has batted .310 with six home runs in 171 at-bats for Eugene. He played good defense, reached base in 41 percent of his chances and scored 42 runs in 42 games. The quick signing of Tekotte made it easier to negotiate with fourth-round pick Jason Kipnis, also a center fielder and leadoff man. When Kipnis sought far more money than the Padres anticipated he would, they used the fourth-round money to sign Dominican third baseman Yefri Pena for $325,000.

James Darnell: Clubs such as the Yankees liked Darnell but figured he might last a few picks later than he did. The Padres drafted him in the second round, then paid above the recommendation of the commissioner's office to sign him. “A few other clubs told me they were surprised we took him and said it was a good move,” said Padres Scouting Director Bill Gayton. “You hear that every year on some guys, but we like him a lot.” Darnell has batted .400 with 10 walks in 11 games for Eugene. He is playing third base but also could play in the outfield or catcher, Fuson said.

Jaff Decker: The former Peoria, Ariz., high school star signed quickly after the Padres used a first-round compensation pick and shredded pitching in the Arizona League, batting .350 with 55 walks in 48 games. Fuson said Decker also is showing “that he's a better athlete than some people think.”

Triple-A

Left-handed pitcher Wade LeBlanc has made four good starts in August and could join the Padres next month when the 25-man roster is expanded. Outfielder Paul McAnulty has a combined on-base and slugging percentage of 1.099 since his demotion to Portland.

Double-A

First baseman Kyle Blanks, 21, has batted .375 with five home runs, 30 RBI and 10 walks in 26 games this month.

Single-A

A demotion to Fort Wayne benefited left-handed pitcher Cory Luebke, who has gone 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA in 50 innings. “We cleaned up some things with his delivery,” Fuson said. Pitcher Mat Latos clocked at 90-96 mph in his comeback from a second rib-cage injury. He has 14 strikeouts and two walks in 12 1/3 innings with Eugene.